RETIRED MEMBERS UPDATE

We would like to give you an update from the Retired Members Committee, as well as information on some of the benefits available to you from the POA.

It can be an issue getting communications to you in a timely manner. To achieve this, the Retired Members Committee is trying to compile a database of the email addresses of all retired members so that we can directly contact as many members as possible by global email, without relying on social media, word of mouth, Gatelodge and the POA website. This will enable us to inform you of events or important issues that may affect you, and keep you up to date with any benefits available along with any new issues you should be aware of. It also gives a more direct line to the committee, should you wish to raise something.

The problem we have is that there are more than 4,000 members – with the potential for this to rise even further - yet we only have email addresses for just over 500. It is evident that we are way short of the numbers we need when we have important information to pass on.

In light of this, we are asking members who have any contact with other retired members – or who are on any prison-related social media sites throughout the UK – to ask retired members to contact the POA with their email addresses. This would be of immense help in making communications to you all much easier.

On 7 August 2024, we held a retired members' get together in The Casa in Liverpool. It was a great success, with retired members from various areas in the North West attending. The afternoon began with short addresses from general secretary Steve Gillan and national chair Mark Fairhurst, along with fraternal greetings from Ian Bryne, the MP for Liverpool West Derby. This was followed by a short speech from Steve Wright from Chesterton Grant Financial Services, which offers excellent services for both serving and retired members.

Following this, we had a really good afternoon and evening, socialising and reminiscing. We also had, from retired members, a few ideas that could benefit and assist other retirees. These will be taken forward to be discussed by the committee.

REWARDS AND BENEFITS

It seems apparent that some retired members and serving members of the POA are not fully aware of some of the benefits available to them. All benefits for both serving and retired members are on the POA website and information is accessible and available to all on the POA E Services section. You will need to register to gain accesses to this area but, once registered, you have all the benefits available to you under members' benefits. Some of these are financial benefits from Chesterton Grant and include free financial advice, for yourselves and for friends and family. One of the services available is:

Fee-free mortgage advice

With access to independent advice, brokers can explore the whole of the marketplace on your behalf to enable you to secure the best possible deal.

They can assist with:

• First-time buyers

• Remortgages

• Raising money for house expenses

• Purchasing a second home or buy to let.

They are partnered with financial adviser Steve Wright and his team

Through True Potential Wealth Management, they can assist with:

• Retirement planning •

Pension tracing from previous employers

• Investments

• Protection and estate planning.

There is currently £26bn sitting in pension funds classed as missing or unclaimed!

We cannot give you advice on your civil service pension so, if your query is related solely to this, please register and access your current pension information on your members' portal. For general enquiries, call 0300 123 6666. For pension portal queries, call 0300 790 0590.

You can find the relevant contact details at the website below: www.chestertongrant.co.uk/poamembers

There are discounted deals on new and used cars from Griffin Cars and Motor Source Group.

The Union Rewards scheme – available in the E services section – operates a system similar to the Blue Light card, meaning you can obtain cash back and discounted deals on many products. On completion of the application form, they also offer FREE £5,000 accidental life insurance, renewable every year, for you and your friends and family – and it costs NOTHING. This benefit is available for all UK residents aged 18 to 69 years.

These are just some of the benefits available to you. We intend to go into further details of benefits in the next Gatelodge edition that is also available online.

I hope everyone stays safe. Do not hesitate to contact the Retired Members Committee if you have any issues or problems.